Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend

To kick off the start of this year's tourist season many of Fermanagh's Visitor Attractions are opening their doors for FREE. Come join us for this very special weekend (7 - 9 March 2014).

(Please contact the attractions directly if booking required)

Aughakillymaude Mummers Centre

Open to the public for FREE on Saturday 8th of March 10am - 3pm

Aughakillymaude's Mummers Centre boasts an intricate display of detailed mumming sculptures of Ireland and abroad that recite nonsensical mumming rhymes, a photographic exhibition on mumming, a wickerman effigy and video documentary on mumming bonfire rituals. Groups/Schools can participate in straw craft and mask making workshops.

Belleek Pottery

Open to the public for FREE guided tours on Friday March 7th 10.15am -12.15pm and 1.45pm - 3.00pm. The Centre will also be open on Saturday 8th from 10.00am – 5.30pm and Sunday 2pm - 5pm Admission free, but no guided tours available.

Situated in the picturesque village of Belleek on the banks of the Lough Erne, this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian China and Belleek Visitor Centre. Visitors can partake in guided tours, take a walk around the on-site museum, visit the audio visual theatre and showroom and enjoy refreshments in the restaurant. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase authentic Belleekproducts.

Drumskinny Stone Circle

Explore Drumskinny Stone Circle with an experienced guide from Erne Heritage Tours to explain the history of the site. (Guide on site Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 4pm)

This stone circle, 13.5 km North of Irvinestown, is part of a complex of five in this immediate locality, dating back to the new stone age, 2250 B.C. The purpose of the circle, made up of 39 stones and a small round cairn, is unknown but probably involved that of religious practices, astronomical observations and calendar functions.

Garden of Celtic Saints

Take this opportunity to visit the Devenish figures, a unique collection of wooden sculptures carved out of Irish oak representing saints and scholars. Garden is open to the public for FREE and is well worth a visit.

Enniskillen Castle Museums

FREE Admission on Fri, Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm

Enniskillen Castle which was once the stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains is situated beside Lough Erne in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. Built almost 600 years ago, the castle's history is traced from its beginnings as a Maguire castle until its use as a barracks in the 1700s and 1800s. Hugh ‘The Hospitable’ Maguire, the man responsible for building the castle was the younger brother of the leading chieftain at the time, King Thomas Maguire (Thomas the Great).

How many places can you get a haircut and explore the golden age of steam travel at the same time? The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional barbers skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Northern Ireland.

Janus Figure, Boa Island

Experienced guide on site to explain the significance of this historic figure. (Guide on site Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 4pm)

In Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, Lower lough Erne stand two unique stone carvings. The larger of these is a Janus figure , two figures back to back with pear shaped heads and interlacing between the heads representing hair. The East face pictured left is carved with a penis and is the male side of the figure, and the west face pictured above is the female side. Both of these carving are in high relief. The smaller figure which is known as "the Lustyman" because it was found on the nearby island Lusty More, may in fact be a female figure. Both figures are described as Celtic Idols. The Carvings appear to have weathered quite a lot in recent years.

Lady of the Lake

Enjoy a FREE sailing on board the Lady of the Lake on Saturday 8th March at 11.30am and 1.30pm departing from Innishclare Jetty. Advanced booking required

Operated by the Manor House Hotel, this magnificent tour boat can cater for 56 passengers. Full on-board bar and catering facilities are available making it perfect for corporate hospitality, parties and tours. Both Public cruises and Private Hire are available.

Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

Guided tours of the Marble Arch Caves will be offered on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March at half hour intervals from 12:30p.m. until 4:00p.m. Booking is essential. Places are limited to 21 persons per tour and will be allocated on a first-come-first served basis. Please be advised that the Caves may close for safety reasons following heavy rain. 20 minute information sessions about the wider Geopark will also be delivered throughout the afternoon of the 8th & 9th.

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, situated just outside Enniskillen, County Fermanagh is one of Europe's finest show caves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers.

MV Kestrel

Depart for a short tour of Enniskillen Island Town from the Lakeland Forum Jetty, each hour on the hour from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday 8th March.

A 56 seater waterbus departs from the Round O Jetty, Brook Park. Guided tours available Easter to the end of September on a regular basis for public and coach/private parties. Public tours last 1 3/4 hours and include a visit to Devenish Island Monastic Site. Shop/Bar/Toilets on board.

Parkland open 10am – 7pm, House tours will run from 11am with the last tour at 4pm*, Shop and tearoom will be open 11am – 5pm, * House tours are booked at Visitor Reception and are subject to availability. Shop and tearoom will be open 11am – 5pm, NB: Closed on Friday 7th

If you are looking for stately grandeur then Castle Coole is a rare treat. Surrounded by its stunning landscape park on the edge of Enniskillen, this majestic 18th century home of the Earls of Belmore, designed by James Wyatt, was created to impress. The surrounding wooded landscape park sloping down to Lough Coole is ideal for long walks.

Florence Court

Gardens and park open from 10am – 7pm, House tours will run from 11am with the last tour at 4pm*, Shop and tearoom will be open 11am – 5pm, * House tours are booked at Visitor Reception and are subject to availability, NB: Closed on Friday 7th

Florence Court is a truly welcoming home, around 8 miles from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. The house, formerly the home of the Cole family, Earls of Enniskillen, is surrounded by a large area of parkland, garden and woodland, with breathtaking views to Benaughlin and the Cuilcagh Mountains. Discover many serene and beautiful corners by exploring the Pleasure Grounds and the Walled Garden in this magnificent demesne.

Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine marten (who are a member of the weasel family) and many rare species including butterflies can all be found on the estate. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens. The 2,000 acre demesne contains ancient woodland, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle, all linked by the breathtakingly beautiful landscape designed by W.S.Gilpin in the 19th century.

Open on Saturday 8 March from 10am - 4pm & Sunday 9 March from 12pm - 4pm. There will be guided tours available at intervals during both days.

The impressive remains of a fortified house and bawn (walled enclosure) are set on beautiful Tully Point and were first documented in 1619, shortly after being built for the Hume family, who lived there until 1641. However, the castle was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire. On the current site, a 17th century style garden has been recreated.

Walk and Talk Tour of Enniskillen

FREE tours of Enniskillen town on Sunday 9th March at 12 Noon and 2pm. Tours to start from Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre, Wellington Road, Enniskillen – no booking required.

Every Saturday at 11am a one hour Walk and Talk Tour of Enniskillen takes visitors around the streets and between the bridges. Discover the rich and diverse history of Ireland’s only Island Town and see the historical buildings, including Enniskillen Castle which dates from the early fifteenth century.